The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will decide on Tuesday whether Imran Khan can stay as the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The commission will hear a case on November 28 to determine if Imran Khan can continue as the PTI chairman. A five-member bench, led by the chief election commissioner, will handle the case. Imran Khan’s lawyers will present their response to the petition filed by a citizen who wants him removed from the party leadership due to his conviction in the Toshakhana case.
Earlier this year in August, the commission had disqualified Imran Khan for five years after he was convicted in the Toshakhana case. An Islamabad court had sentenced him to three years in prison and fined him Rs100,000 for hiding details about gifts received. The court found him guilty of intentionally hiding benefits from the national treasury. Imran Khan was arrested at his Zaman Park residence.
This hearing will be Imran Khan’s first public appearance since his imprisonment in August for the illegal selling of state gifts. He was removed as prime minister in April 2022 after losing a no-confidence vote, which he claimed was a conspiracy involving the United States, political opponents, and the military. However, both Washington and Islamabad rejected these allegations.
Imran Khan, 71, has faced legal challenges and mass protests since his removal. He accused his successor, Shehbaz Sharif, and the military of plotting against him in mass rallies. The government cracked down on these protests, leading to numerous cases, including serious charges, against Khan and other PTI leaders.
In August, Khan was imprisoned for three years in the state gifts case. Although granted bail on August 29, he remained in custody as the trial in another case continued inside the jail. However, the Islamabad High Court declared his trial in jail illegal on Tuesday, making all proceedings null and void.
Imran Khan’s legal troubles are increasing as Pakistan approaches a crucial general election. His party, PTI, is expected to make significant gains, even though Khan’s conviction currently prevents him from contesting.